Background
The section of 3 Mile Road, from Pettis Ave to the top of the hill, is frequently severely rutted, difficult to navigate during the winter and generates large amounts of erosion sediment that flows onto Pettis Ave.
The subcommittee, including both pro-paving and anti-paving citizens, members of the planning commission and Township Board as well as representatives from the Kent County Road Commission, voted to recommend that the section of road in question be paved. This recommendation was based on an analysis of the FACTS and a determination that paving this stretch of road would increase safety and decrease long-term maintenance costs.
Members of the Township Board, who were NOT familiar with the details, including the extent and frequency of washouts, rutting, winter impassability and maintenance “costs” related to this issue, voted to NOT pave 3 Mile Hill.
The Facts
- Nothing in State, County or Local laws/ordinances prevents a “Natural Beauty Road” from being paved.
- As the traffic volume (load) on gravel roads increases, they wear faster and the cost to maintain them increases.
- “Over a 20 year period, the annual maintenance costs for gravel roads are higher than for bituminous roads.” (1)
- “Driving on any gravel surface, loose or hard-packed, is trickier than driving on paved roads because tires do not have the traction needed to maintain stable control of your vehicle. Novice drivers, for example, who have not gained the driving experience and who are already higher risk road users, are particularly vulnerable when it comes to driving on gravel roads.” (2)
- The problems caused by erosion material on Pettis Ave could have severe/fatal consequences. According to “Roadway Safety and Tort Liability” by John C Glennon “ Sand and gravel on the travel lanes can seriously reduce the effective friction, particularly for motorcycles…” (3)
Why This Qualifies as A "Hot Issue"
Citizens (Taxpayers) and guests of the Township who travel this section of road, continue to report problems with washouts, rutting and winter impassability. Another winter is coming and the overall condition of the road continues to be in a state of decline, rather than stability or better yet, improvement. The problems associated with 3 Mile Hill are not going to solve themselves. Based on current and future increases in traffic along this section of read, these problems require a better solution than is currently in place.
My Position
I recommend the Public Works Committee review the findings of the 3 Mile Hill Subcommittee, examine the FACTS of this issue as well as potential solutions and make a recommendation to the Township Board ASAP, regarding a long-term plan to maintain this section of roadway. The Township Board should then make a FACT-based decision that respects the opinion of the Public Works Committee and the “expert” opinions of both the Township Planner and Engineer as well as the County Road Commission. I believe we should:
- Have Kent County pave the section of 3 Mile Hill in question, using a design and techniques designed to preserve as many old-growth trees and natural features possible and have a minimal impact on adjacent flora and fauna.
- Have those citizens who are most concerned with the “natural beauty” of this and other roadways, form a committee/group that is devoted to planting and maintaining a variety of trees and other desirable vegetation/flowers, that make these corridors conform to the natural esthetics expected by them. Have a Board discussion on what if any park or other funding can/should be be allocated towards these efforts.
